19th-Century German School

About the Painting

This 19th-century German School oil painting is a reproduction of Mater Dolorosa, originally created by the celebrated Italian Baroque master Guido Reni (1575-1642). Painted during the second half of the 1800s by an unknown yet skilled artist, this devotional portrait expresses the deep emotional and spiritual resonance characteristic of religious art from this period.

The Virgin Mary is depicted in a moment of sorrowful reflection, her eyes turned upward in quiet suffering—a timeless representation of Mater Dolorosa, or "Mother of Sorrows." The soft chiaroscuro lighting and rich earthy palette evoke the signature style of Reni, faithfully capturing the spiritual depth and serene anguish of the original composition. The contrast of the luminous face against the dark background draws focus to the Virgin's expression.

Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is housed in a 20th-century giltwood frame, intricately carved with classical leaf motifs. The painting demonstrates the continued popularity of Guido Reni's religious compositions throughout the 19th century, when copies and interpretations of Old Master works were widely produced for devotional and decorative purposes.

About Guido Reni and the Mater Dolorosa Tradition

Guido Reni (1575-1642) was one of the most celebrated painters of the Italian Baroque period, renowned for his religious compositions that combined classical beauty with deep spiritual emotion. His depictions of the Virgin Mary, particularly the Mater Dolorosa theme, became iconic images that were widely copied and reinterpreted throughout Europe for centuries after his death.

The Mater Dolorosa, or "Mother of Sorrows," represents the Virgin Mary in her grief over the suffering and death of Christ. This devotional image became one of the most popular subjects in Catholic art, particularly during the Counter-Reformation and continuing through the 19th century. Reni's interpretation, with its combination of idealized beauty and profound sorrow, became the definitive model for countless later artists.

During the 19th century, reproductions of Old Master religious paintings like Reni's Mater Dolorosa were created by skilled copyists and academic painters throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. These works served both devotional purposes in churches and private chapels, and as decorative elements in homes of the period. The continued production of such copies demonstrates the enduring appeal of Baroque religious imagery well into the modern era.

Technical Details

Attribution: 19th-century German School, after Guido Reni (1575-1642)
Signed: Unsigned
Date: Second half of the 19th century
Medium: Oil on canvas
Condition: Very good condition
Dimensions: 50 x 40 cm / 19¾ x 15¾ in
Frame: 62 x 52 cm / 24½ x 20½ in, 20th-century giltwood with classical leaf motifs
Origin: Germany

A devotional example of 19th-century German religious painting after a Baroque master.